Port lock system and apparatus

Abstract

Embodiments include systems, methods, and apparatuses configured to secure physical interface ports (or sockets) of an electronic device through physical lock and key mechanisms. In at least one implementation, a system is provided for locking a physical port or socket of an electronic device. The system includes a lock for insertion into a port or socket of the electronic device. The lock includes a structural interface member that is configured to align with a selected port or socket of the electronic device into which the lock is to be inserted. The lock further includes an exterior fascia that is affixed to the structural interface member, and a detent that holds the lock in place within the port or socket. The system also includes a key for disengaging the lock.

I claim: 
     
       1. A system for locking a physical port or socket of an electronic device, wherein the system comprises a USB locking system, comprising:
 a lock for insertion into a port or socket of an electronic device, the lock comprising:
 a structural interface member that is configured to align with a selected port or socket of the electronic device into which the lock is to be inserted; 
 an exterior fascia that is affixed to the structural interface member; 
 a detent that holds the lock in place within the port or socket; 
 
 a key for disengaging the lock; and 
 a lid that covers the cavity of the exterior fascia; 
 wherein the exterior fascia includes a cavity through which the key is inserted and interfaced with the structural member of the lock. 
 
     
     
       2. The system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the exterior fascia is detachably affixed to the structural interface member using one or more hinges. 
     
     
       3. The system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the exterior fascia is affixed to the structural interface member using an adhesive or semi-adhesive. 
     
     
       4. The system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the structural interface member has a cavity for alignment with ports or sockets having male interfaces, or has a protruding portion for alignment with ports or sockets having female interfaces. 
     
     
       5. The system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the structural interface member comprises a male audio jack for alignment with a female audio jack interface. 
     
     
       6. The system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the structural interface member of the lock includes one or more depressions, detents or cavities that interface with the key to unlock the lock. 
     
     
       7. The system as recited in  claim 6 , wherein the key includes one or more depressions, detents or cavities that correspond with the depressions, detents or cavities of the lock. 
     
     
       8. The system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the exterior fascia is detachably affixed to the structural interface member via one or more support rails mounted to the structural interface member that allow the exterior fascia to slide between first and second positions. 
     
     
       9. The system as recited in  claim 8 , wherein the exterior fascia slides on the rails from a first open position that allows access to the port or socket to a second closed position that prevents access to the port or socket. 
     
     
       10. A method of manufacturing a lock for use with a USB port or socket of an electronic device, comprising:
 providing a body portion configured for insertion into a port or socket, wherein the body portion has one or more recesses or detents for securing the body portion within the port or socket; 
 providing a front face for the body portion, the front face comprising an at least partly planar portion sufficient for receiving human-readable indicia, and further including a key hole for receiving a key; 
 providing the key for insertion into the key hole of the front face, wherein the key is configured to release the body portion from within the port or socket upon depression; and providing a lid that covers the cavity of the exterior fascia; 
 wherein the exterior fascia includes a cavity through which the key is inserted and interfaced with the structural member of the lock. 
 
     
     
       11. The method of  claim 10 , further comprising providing one or more rails on which the front face is to slide between first and second positions. 
     
     
       12. The method of  claim 10 , further comprising providing one or more hinges on which the front face is configured to swing between a first open position and a second closed position. 
     
     
       13. The method of  claim 10 , wherein the body portion comprises an audio jack portion configured for insertion into an audio jack port. 
     
     
       14. The method of  claim 10 , wherein the lock and key are further configured for securing a physical port or socket corresponding to any one or more of a USB port, a display port, an HDMI port, an Ethernet port, a Firewire port, or an optical interface. 
     
     
       15. The USB lock system of  claim 14 , further comprising a storage box for holding the USB lock and the key simultaneously. 
     
     
       16. A universal serial bus (USB) lock system for locking one or more USB ports on an electronic device, comprising:
 a USB lock for insertion into a USB port, the USB lock comprising: 
 a structural interface member having a cavity for alignment with a USB port; 
 an exterior fascia that is affixed to the structural interface member; and 
 a detent that holds the USB lock in place within the USB port; 
 a key for disengaging the USB lock; 
 a lid that covers the cavity of the exterior fascia; and 
 wherein the exterior fascia includes a cavity through which the key is inserted and interfaced with the structural member of the lock. 
 
     
     
       17. The USB lock system of  claim 16 , wherein the lock, key, and/or storage box comprise one or more planar interfaces or exposed areas sufficient for holding one or more logos or other human readable indicia.